The Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Association visited Greenfield Elementary on November 6 to present its Instrument Zoo program.
The Instrument Zoo provides students with an exposure to and appreciation of orchestral music. During the event, fourth and fifth graders were able to learn about and play all the instruments used in an orchestra.
Instruments were divided into their four families – strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Members of the Guild, as well as parent volunteers who play instruments, were on hand to discuss each one.
Guild members Carol Fryer, Leslie Post and Nancy Salter, who have volunteered much of their time at schools with the Instrument Zoo, know how important the program is for students.
“If we want people to appreciate music, we need to expose them to it,” said Fryer (also the wife of former Duval County Public Schools’ Superintended John Fryer). “Touching and playing instruments makes music real.”
“Music offers so much to children and can enrich their educational experiences,” said Post.
Greenfield’s music teacher Patricia Butterbrodt helped organize the Guild’s visit, and prepared students for the event by teaching them about orchestras and symphonic instruments.
“The Instrument Zoo may be the only chance for elementary students to experience these musical instruments. It opens up a new world to them when they realize they can create music,” said Butterbrodt.
Students will now be asked to write a paper about their experience at the Instrument Zoo, including what they learned and what instruments they liked or disliked.
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